Actress Deepika Padukone, who played a pivotal role in the Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Kalki 2898 AD, will not be part of its sequel. The official announcement came from Vyjayanthi Movies on Thursday, putting an end to weeks of speculation about the actress’s involvement.
Makers issue official statement
Vyjayanthi Movies took to social media to confirm Deepika’s exit, stating,
“This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
The announcement disappointed fans who had eagerly awaited the continuation of Deepika’s character in the sci-fi epic, directed by Nag Ashwin.
Deepika’s role in the original
Released earlier this year, Kalki 2898 AD revolved around a group of people on a mission to protect a woman pregnant with Lord Vishnu’s tenth and final avatar, Kalki, from an evil god-king, Yaskin. Deepika’s character carried the child, making her the emotional centre of the narrative.
Her portrayal won praise from critics and audiences alike, with many considering it one of her most nuanced performances in recent years. Given the importance of her role in the first instalment, her absence in the sequel has raised questions about how the storyline will progress.
Professional shifts and recent developments
Deepika’s exit from Kalki 2898 AD comes shortly after reports of her leaving another Prabhas project, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. Industry insiders suggest that disagreements over working conditions may have contributed to her decision.
The actress, who welcomed her daughter Dua last year, has reportedly been on maternity break and is focusing on balancing her professional commitments with motherhood. Sources indicate that she had requested an eight-hour work shift to accommodate her new lifestyle, a demand that did not sit well with some filmmakers.
Industry reactions
While the production house maintained a cordial tone in its announcement, industry chatter has linked Deepika’s exits to creative and logistical differences. However, her fans have rallied behind her, praising her for prioritising family while continuing to set benchmarks in her career.
Adding to her international recognition, Deepika was recently announced as the first Indian jury member for the prestigious Louis Vuitton Prize, with husband Ranveer Singh cheering her milestone.
What lies ahead for the sequel
With Deepika no longer part of the sequel, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD are expected to rework the script and casting. Speculation is rife about which actress will step into the franchise and how Nag Ashwin plans to carry forward the story without its original female lead.
For now, the sequel remains one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema, and fans are keenly watching for official updates from the production team.